The Pediatric Dentistry Center Philippines (PDCP) celebrated a major milestone as it marked 30 years of excellence in pediatric dental care, education, and community service with a grand anniversary gala at EDSA Shangri-La Plaza. The celebration not only honored three decades of transforming children’s lives but also ushered in a new chapter with the launch of the Smile Care Foundation Philippines.For 30 years, PDCP has been at the forefront of pediatric dentistry in the country, providing compassionate and specialized oral healthcare for children—including those with special needs—while shaping generations of dental professionals dedicated to children’s oral health.
As the Philippines’ only accredited training institution for Pediatric Dentistry, PDCP has trained more than 150 dentists specializing in pediatric care and produced 21 licensed pedodontists. Its graduates now serve communities nationwide, expanding access to quality dental care for Filipino children from urban centers to underserved areas.
The anniversary gala gathered alumni, students, partners, and distinguished guests to celebrate the institution’s remarkable journey and reaffirm its commitment to nurturing smiles and enriching lives.
“Our mission has always been to provide advanced pediatric dental care while uplifting children and families through compassion,” said Dr. Fina Lopez, President and CEO of PDCP. “We envision a future where every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to the care they need, because a healthy smile is the foundation of confidence, dignity, and hope.”
Over the years, PDCP’s Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry Program has evolved into one of the country’s premier training programs, producing specialists equipped to address the unique oral health needs of children.
“We have trained generations of dentists who now serve across the country, ensuring that specialized pediatric care reaches more communities than ever before,” said Dr. Georgia Remulla, Program Director of PDCP.
Beyond education, PDCP has strengthened its impact through strategic partnerships with hospitals, schools, and community organizations, integrating oral healthcare into broader health and wellness initiatives.
“These collaborations allow us to integrate dental care into broader health programs, making oral health a vital part of nation-building,” said Dr. Jasper Tago, Chief Operating Officer of PDCP.
The highlight of the evening was the official launch of the Smile Care Foundation Philippines, an initiative designed to expand PDCP’s charitable efforts and provide comprehensive oral healthcare support to underserved children and families.
“The Foundation is built on the values of charity and compassion,” said Dr. Liza Centeno, Head of Research and Chairman of the Foundation’s Board. “By working with partners and donors, we aim to reach even more children in need, ensuring that no child is left behind when it comes to oral health and overall well-being.”
The foundation reflects PDCP’s longstanding belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, confident, and free from dental pain. Through partnerships and philanthropic support, it seeks to make quality pediatric dental care more accessible to vulnerable communities across the Philippines.
For many families, PDCP’s work has already been life-changing. One parent whose child benefited from the institution’s charity program shared, “PDCP gave my child not just a smile, but a chance to live without pain and with confidence. Their charity program has changed our lives, and for that, we will always be grateful.”
As it celebrates three decades of service, PDCP remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing pediatric dentistry through education, clinical excellence, and compassionate care. With the launch of the Smile Care Foundation Philippines, the institution is poised to bring even more smiles to Filipino children—proving that its greatest legacy is not only in the dentists it has trained, but in the lives it continues to transform.
Thirty years on, PDCP’s mission remains clear: every child’s smile matters, and every smile has the power to change a future.